D.J. O'Brien III

D.J. O’Brien: Experienced Business Litigation and Government Enforcement Attorney

D.J. O’Brien is a dedicated and results-oriented attorney specializing in business litigation, employment law, and government enforcement actions. With deep experience across all levels of federal and state appellate and trial courts in North Carolina, including the prestigious N.C. Business Court, D.J. provides comprehensive legal counsel to businesses and individuals facing complex challenges. He concentrates significantly on high-stakes actions under the False Claims Act, leveraging his expertise to aggressively protect client interests.

D.J.’s practice encompasses a broad spectrum of legal matters, providing strategic and effective representation across numerous industries. He is particularly adept at handling employment-related litigation, including class and collective actions involving discrimination and wage-and-hour claims, before both state and federal agencies and courts. Clients across a diverse range of sectors – including technology, franchises, healthcare, construction, defense, transportation, and manufacturing – benefit from his proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail.

D.J. understands the significant legal and reputational risks businesses face when confronted with civil investigative demands, subpoenas, and other government enforcement actions. He expertly navigates these situations, utilizing his substantial experience to develop robust defense strategies and safeguard his clients' interests. His work extends beyond litigation, offering critical support in ensuring compliance and mitigating potential exposures. He represents executives and companies under criminal or regulatory scrutiny concerning their business practices, conducting sensitive internal investigations for companies of all sizes.

D.J. excels in resolving complex business disputes, expertly handling litigation involving trade secrets, shareholder disputes, and claims under state and federal consumer protection statutes. He has a proven track record of success in litigating class and collective actions in both state and federal courts, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex procedural rules and legal strategies. As a valuable member of the Local Rules Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, D.J. remains at the forefront of legal developments and best practices.

Practice Areas:

• Business Litigation: D.J. provides litigation services across a broad range of commercial disputes, focusing on strategic legal solutions to protect client assets and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Employment Law - Management: He specializes in advising employers on complex employment matters, including litigation, compliance, and risk management.
• Government Enforcement Actions: D.J. has a strong focus on representing clients involved in False Claims Act investigations and other government enforcement actions.
• False Claims Act Litigation: A key component of his practice, D.J. expertly handles complex False Claims Act cases with a high-stakes focus.
• Commercial Litigation: He represents businesses in a variety of commercial disputes, including contract breaches, intellectual property disputes, and other business-related litigation.
• Labor and Employment Law: D.J. provides counsel on discrimination, wage and hour claims, and other employment law matters.
• ERISA Litigation: He handles claims related to employee benefit plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
• Consumer Protection Law: D.J. represents clients in claims involving violations of state and federal consumer protection statutes.
• Trade Secret Litigation: He protects his clients’ valuable intellectual property by aggressively pursuing trade secret litigation.
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar: D.J. offers robust defense strategies for executives and companies facing criminal allegations related to business practices.

Education & Credentials:

• Recognized: Selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Attorney USA since 2019.
• Awards: Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) for Business Litigation (2024-2025) and as a “Rising Star” in Business Litigation (2012). Recognized as a “Labor and Employment Star” by Benchmark Litigation (2020-2023).
• Practice Area Specializations: Health Care Law, Technology Law, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Litigation - ERISA, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Special Focus: COVID-19.

Affiliations:

• Member of the Local Rules Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

City: Greensboro, State: North Carolina, Country: United States